iPhone 4 - returns policy

zierisaver

Hi everyone,

Hoping someone can help with this. I've been reading the iPhone 4 discussions thread but to be honest it is so vast that I'm struggling to get an answer on there. Also it's a bit intimidating with all the contributors!

I got a new iPhone 4 about 6 weeks ago (and thought I was very very luck to get my hands on one). I loved it to start off with (having had a 3G for 20 months) - the screen resolution is amazing, camera great, video camera clear, it feels and looks the part and the glass is super-strong. However, the signal problems that have dogged it seemingly from launch are now driving me around the bend.

It isn't just when I hold it in my left hand either. When I'm driving an have the phone Bluetoothed through my stereo I can see the signal dropping when previously it would have been 5 bars. I'm not even touching the phone yet losing call after call after call.

I called O2 yesterday and they basically said "tough luck" (but in a nice way). The offered me £372 for it, but I've got an 18 month contract so I'm still going to be well out of pocket.

Can anyone give me any advice on:
1) The returns policy - is the phone faulty and can I therefore get out of my contract, even though I've had it since the beginning of July
2) The signal - I've got the latest software and most of the time I'm using the phone in my car, so not holding it. Is there any other solution to the signal problems.

Thanks so much in advance, at this rate I'm going to end up throwing the phone through the window!
:mad:

Exhortation

If the signal is a problem when you aren't even holding it then it doesn't sound like the "grip of death" issue that's causing you problems but possibly another fault with the phone. I would suggest your first port of call should be your nearest Apple store to have a word with the good people at the Genius bar.

INT1

As above-Apple are always keen to put warranty claims right.

zierisaver

Thanks guys. I've spoken to other people who seem to have the same problem - maybe the actual design of the phone or the internal aerial just aren't very good? Doesn't help that I live in the sticks, but my 3G definitely had a better signal in all the same places.

I'll see what Apple say, but there's a possibility I might have to do the previous unthinkable - sell my iPhone and go to another brand....

Exhortation

Did you get a better signal or did it just look like you were getting a better signal? The issue with the signal bars that was fixed with iOS4.0.1 has been around since the 2g iPhone.

almillar

iPhone 4 doesn't have internal aerials, the aerials are on the outside, which has caused the uproar about this product, did you not hear about it?!

Oscar_The_Grouch

almillar wrote: »

iPhone 4 doesn't have internal aerials, the aerials are on the outside, which has caused the uproar about this product, did you not hear about it?!

OP does not have the "death grip" problem; his phone is dropping signal and calls when it's in a windscreen mount and on bluetooth. What he probably has is a duff antenna connection somewhere.

This is something that Apple will quite happily resolve, probably by replacing the phone.

liubeliu

Is the phone in a bag or pocket where it is coming into contact with something conductive. The skin is conductive and bridge the two aerials hence the grip of death issue.

zierisaver

Thanks for all the replies, to answer in turn:
I was definitely getting a better signal with the 3G. I know this as the phone actually loses connection, so it's not just the bar reading as such.
Oscar the Grouch, thank you, you are right. Even when I'm not holding the phone it loses signal, so it's not the death-grip issue. I will speak to Apple directly as O2 are proving to be more obstructive than anything.
liubeliu - the phone is placed in my centre console of my car when I'm driving (which is plastic). It then transmits via Bluetooth through my car stereo yet still cuts out all of the time. I've tried even putting it in the passenger door compartment as I was worried I was sitting too close to it!

One more question - someone at work said that on this site Martin had said due to Apple admitting there was a fault with the phone people could return up to 3 months, but I can't find it anywhere - can anyone shed any light on this?

angelizz

You can try again with O2, but my advice if you just can't live with it (and if Apple can't make it any better) is to sell it on ebay. Not an ideal situation, but the longer you have it the more frustrated you will get and the lower the value of the phone. Sometimes you've just got to bite the bullet I'm afraid.

Oscar_The_Grouch

zierisaver wrote: »

One more question - someone at work said that on this site Martin had said due to Apple admitting there was a fault with the phone people could return up to 3 months, but I can't find it anywhere - can anyone shed any light on this?

Under the Sale Of Goods Act, any fault that develops within 6 months is considered to be a fault that was "there from inception" and Apple would have to repair/replace/refund but which of these three is at their discretion. Apple tend to replace rather than repair, as it's quicker and easier so increases customer satisfaction and repeat orders.

Let's face it; if you wanted to buy a new computer and had the choice of going to PC World where you are likely to be served by someone who hasn't showered for a week or an Apple Store where everyone is paid to be nice to you, which would you pick?